Where are you from and what brings you to Oz?
I grew up in Washington DC, but I've been living in Boston for the past 3 years. I came to Sydney at the end August to participate in a Film Internship Program offered by my university (Boston University).
Did you know much about Canadian cinema before you started work on Possible Worlds?
Not much. I've seen a few Canadian films here and there, most memorably Snow Cake starring Sigourney Weaver, but not much emphasis is placed on Canadian cinema. My American professors were always quicker to reference French, Italian, Indian, etc. films than they were to look north. As a result, I rarely sought out films that were Canadian. If I was ever interested in watching a Canadian film, it was because of the subject matter, not the fact that the film was Canadian. That being said, I've really enjoyed watching this festival's films and my attitude towards Canadian film has definitely changed.
What have you been doing in the office?
I've been working on a variety of things, but I primarily help Matt with marketing. I have done micro-marketing research, written press releases, proofed program guides, etc. And sometimes I abandon Matt, and enjoy a movie or two.
You've seen most of the films screening at the festival, what's your favourite and why?
My favorite film is probably Only because it's the most accurate portrayal of childhood that I have ever seen in a film or any art work for that matter. It's also interesting to watch knowing that the directors and their son are the key actors in the film.
Any recommendation?
I would recommend going to see the closing night film, Everything is Fine. It's an incredible film about a guy whose four best friends killed themselves in a suicide pact. It is rather bleak and definitely a slower film, but you leave the theater feeling uplifted and entirely impressed by what the director has achieved.
Which event are you most looking forward to at the Festival?
I'm probably most excited about the screening of Only because it's my favorite film and I will get a chance to meet the director, but I'm also looking forward to the screening of Young People F***ing. It'll be a great party and the film is an intelligent comedy that people will really enjoy.
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